Need Advice Patio recommendations?

I am looking to add a back yard patio this spring and currently in the process of working out the design, getting bids from contractors, choosing materials etc. Once I finalize on the design and materials I will submit a modification form.

Did anyone have a patio put in recently? Which contractor did you use and were you happy with the results? Anything you would have done differently in hindsight? Right now I'm leaning towards flagstone with a concrete base.

Thanks for any advice.

 

We used Holloway and were very pleased, particularly with the upfront design and planning process.

I guess my point for you, when considering the basic structure to go with, would be that after 6 years, our patio has not heaved, sunken, or in any way lost its level stone surface or placment of stone in the walls. We have a packed foundation - I believe it is marble dust, with loose stone set onto it - no concrete, and it has held perfectly for six seasons. Since concrete can ultimately crack, heave, etc. from freezing and ground sinking, you might get opinions on the non-cemented "dry stacked stone" approach, which I believe looks better. The "dry stacked" is achieved on the walls by liberal use of liquid-nail type adhesive - which is unseen.

 

We used Potomac Patio for our flagstone patio w/ concrete & rebar base. We were pleased with them and would recommend them.

 

I also used Potomac Patio..and they were about 60% of the price of Holloway...

 

Always willing to help out a fellow Hoo! We used Perfect Pavements www.perfectpavements.com about 5 years ago. Tennessee Sandstone (like the big patio over at Sweetwater Restaurant) on reinforced concrete. Great installation and no problems- we are/were very happy.

 

ditto, excellent work.

 

Potomac Patio changed their name and are now called Stone River Masonry. The main contact, A.P. Singh, can be reached at 703-344-6461. He worked really well with us to get the patio we wanted. Tell him the guy with the firepit they built in Brambleton sent you.

 

We used Perfect Pavements 6 years ago for a flagstone patio set in concrete. We've been really happy with the patio, just wish we'd made it larger. If you'd like to stop by for a look, pm me.

 

Thanks so much for all the great information! It's all been very helpful.

 

Just wondering if you ever went with anyone and who you liked. I'm looking to put in a patio this fall (townhouse sized).

 

We used Holloway over 5 years ago and have been very pleased with their work. They were easy to work with and were middle of the road price wise.

 

Poured concrete, especially with rebar is wayyyyyyy overkill. Dig out to depth, crushed stone with blue dust is the best way to go AND it is environmentally friendly. Water drains through, does not have to run off. If water gets between stone, paver,etc and concrete it will freeze in the winter and separate. UGH!